Simple Summer Nails | Low Maintenance Short Nail Design Ideas

In this post, I’ll be sharing some low maintenance nail design ideas for simple summer nails.

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jelly natural nails - trending chic and elegant short nail design ideas for simple summer nails

For me, summertime is all about simplified routines, paired down makeup, frolicking in pools and the ocean, and having a generally laid-back carefree vibe. While I love a set of long nails (see this post about my go-to gel nail extensions kit) this summer, I’m gravitating towards short, chic, and more elegant summer nails.

From pale pinks and soft nudes, to bold trending colors, to quick and easy nail art designs that you can recreate with a few simple tools… today’s post is a round up of some of my favorite simple summer nails.

Simple Summer Nails: low maintenance designs for short nails

Soap Nails

The ultimate nude summer nails. Soap nails is a new term that has popped up lately, likely a derivative of the trending soap brows, “no makeup” makeup, and the “clean girl aesthetic.” It gives off a chic and minimal vibe and has quickly become my go-to choice for short nails.

The key to achieving this nail look is to select a soft pink or milky nude shade and finish it off with a few layers of extra glossy top coat. The high gloss gives off an almost “wet” look and paired with a simple soft color makes the overall manicure look squeaky clean.

Butter Yellow

The summer 2024 trending color is officially: butter yellow. You may have noticed this shade of pale pastel yellow prominent in all areas of fashion and style. But, if you’re not one to indulge in a color trend via your outfits or accessories, why not sport the look on your nails instead.

These yellow summer nails look so polished and effortless, but add a bit of pizzaz to the otherwise pinky/nude neutral nail. It’s a subtle hint of color without be too over the top. Plus, it’s a little nod to the sunny summer days ahead.

Aura Nails

If colorful summer nails are more your style, the aura nail design is a simple yet enchanting look that is equal parts ethereal and bold. You can play with a combination of your favorite colors and use a makeup sponge to create stunning gradients on your fingertips.

I’ve seen this nail design paired with small details like metallic stars or dainty rhinestones for some added eye-catching sparkle.

Vanilla Chrome

Similar to the ever-so-popular glazed donut nails, the vanilla chrome nail craze has hit the ground running this summer. It’s slightly more intense and created with a warm milky vanilla base color topped with finely milled chrome powder.

Perfect for bridal events of all kinds, the vanilla chrome summer nails will also have you lusting for an ice cream cone in no time.

Jelly Nails

Originally from the Korean and Japanese beauty spaces, jelly nails have been slowly creeping into my nail inspo Pinterest board lately, and I’m obsessed. The key to a perfect jelly nail manicure is the illusion of sheerness on the nails. They have been referred to as the “lipgloss” version of nail polish, and give off such a unique and fresh vibe.

Gorgeous in any color, the jelly nail trend is one that looks amazing on both long and short nails, making it the perfect summer nail look to rock this season.

Micro Designs

Simple doesn’t always have to be boring. If you’re looking for low maintenance summer nails, but still want to add a bit of pizazz to your mani, this easy dotted flower nail design is one to try! Keep the base color on the softer more neutral side, and add pops of color with the flowers.

If nail art isn’t your forte, don’t fret because this design is super beginner-friendly. All you need is the end of a bobby pin, toothpick, or a nail dotting tool if you want to get a bit fancy with it.

Blue Crush

Now trending: ocean blue nails… or any shade of blue, for that matter. These cool-toned shades are making a mark this summer and feel like a breath of fresh air from the typical hot pink and reds we see most often on bright manicures. If you’re on the fence about bold blue nails, start with a milky white base and create a French tip manicure, like the photo above, with different hues for a chic ombre look.